Smoke-free United Nations premises

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on the Ad Hoc Inter-Agency Task Force on Tobacco Control1

Noting with concern the serious harmful impact of second-hand smoke on the health of non-smokers, which can lead do disease, disability and death,

Acknowledging that second-hand smoke at the workplace is a fully preventable occupational health hazard,

Recalling article 8 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, 2 entitled "Protection from exposure to tobacco smoke", 2 which states, inter alia, that each party shall adopt and implement measures to provide "protection from exposure to tobacco smoke in indoor workplaces, public transport, indoor places and, as appropriate, other public places",

Emphasizing the importance of protecting the well-being of individuals in their working environments,

Recommends that the General Assembly, at its sixty-first session, consider the implementation of a complete ban on smoking at all United Nations indoor premises, at Heardquarters as well as at regional and country offices throughout the United Nations system, and the implementation of a complete ban on sales of tobacco products at all United Nations premises;

Also recommends that the General Assembly request the Secretary-General to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution to the Economic and Social Council at its substantive session of 2008.

Decides to continue its consideration of the agenda item entitled "Tobacco or Health" at its substantive session of 2008.